Summer in France: Weather and Top Destinations

The summer months in France are warm and sunny, with occasional rain and thunderstorms. In the north-to-center of France such as Paris, the average temperatures during the summer range from 16°C to 24°C. Temperatures in the southern to eastern part of the country such as Nice average between 24°C  to 30°C. This region also tends to have more consistent sunny and dry weather throughout summer, with the average temperatures ranging from 10°Cto 20°C, the mountainous region in the French Alps and the Pyrenees witness cooler weather. But it can get a bit unpredictable, with its fair share of rainfall and thunderstorms.

Month	June	July	August
Maximum temperature	21.6°C	24.6°C	24.5°C
Minimum temperature	12.5°C	14.8°C	15°C
Average rainfall (mm)	38	36	30
Daylight hours	16 h and 7 min	15 h and 42 min	14 h and 19 min

For a more detailed seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit France.

Other Related Articles:
France in June
France in July
France in August

The summer months in France are perfect for experiencing the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some excellent reasons to plan a trip to France in summer:

• Beaches: The French Riviera and other coastal regions of France are known for their beautiful beaches. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during summer.
• Historic sites: The country’s many historic sites and landmarks, including castles, cathedrals, and museums, open for longer hours during summer, allowing visitors plenty of time to explore them in detail.
• Wine and food: France is renowned for its delicious cuisine and wine. As the grape harvesting season starts in August, you can explore the many vineyards and wineries throughout the country, sampling local wines and enjoying a farm-to-table dining experience.
• Festivals and events: From Lollapalooza to Carcassonne Festival, France offers a diverse range of events and festivals during the summer months, featuring music, art, food, and much more, attracting visitors from all around the world.

If you are considering a trip to France, we recommend looking at our France guide for a clear overview of the country to help you plan your journey.

Each destination in France offers visitors unique charms and experiences. Below are the top three destinations to visit while on tour to France in the summer.

1. French Riviera

Stretching from the Italian border to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, is known for its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, enchanting towns, and sunny climate. A trip to French Riviera in the summertime offers loads, from festivals and vibrant nightlife to outdoor activities. You can also experience the best weather in the French Riviera in summer between June and August. 

Major attractions: Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Cannes Beaches, Monaco, Hilltop Village of Eze, Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat, and Menton.

Pros:

• You can enjoy many festivals and events during the summer months, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Nice Jazz Festival.
• Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to water sports like sailing and paddle boarding.
• Many bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night.

Cons:

• With the increased number of travelers in the summer months, accommodation, food, and activity prices can be significantly higher than at other times.

2. Loire Valley

This beautiful region in central France is renowned for its beautiful castles and chateaux, as well as its charming towns and gardens. The Loire Valley is also famous for its wine production, with many vineyards and wineries. In the summer season, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as vineyard tours or hiking and cycling on scenic routes.

Major attractions: Château de Chambord, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, Château de Chenonceau, Bourges, Orléans, Amboise, and Blois.

Pros:

• The countryside is most beautiful during the summer, with lush green landscapes, vibrant flowers, and blooming gardens.
• The summer months in the Loire Valley are warm and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore the chateaux and towns and enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and picnicking.

Cons:

• During the peak travel season, the Loire Valley’s narrow roads could lead to significant traffic congestion, particularly around popular towns and attractions.

3. Brittany 

Brittany offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. This region in western France is known for its rugged coastline, Celtic heritage, and seafood. Summer is a wonderful time to explore fishing villages and historic towns and enjoy water sports and hiking along the coast.

Brittany is also famous for its delicious seafood, including oysters, mussels, and lobster, that you can enjoy during summer. The region also hosts several cultural festivals in summer, like the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, held every year in August.

Major attractions: Saint-Malo, Quimper, Nantes, Reins, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Morbihan, Château de Josselin, and Vitré. 

Pros:

• In summer, you can enjoy everything from music and dance festivals to local fairs and seafood festivals in Brittany, allowing you to experience the region’s unique culture and traditions.
• Brittany is an excellent destination for families, with many kid-friendly attractions and activities, including amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums.

Cons:

• As summer is the peak tourist season in Brittany, popular attractions can become crowded.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities during their summer trip tnicweo France. Here are the top activities that you should not miss:

• Beach hopping: France’s lengthy coastline boasts many beautiful beaches, such as the French Riviera, Biarritz, and Normandy. You can explore the beaches all you like and enjoy water sports like swimming, surfing and paddle boarding.
• Shopping in open-air markets: France is famous for its outdoor markets. They are particularly lively during summer when visitors can browse fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal products. The most popular markets include the Marche Provencal in Antibes and the Marché aux Fleurs in Nice.
• Hiking and biking: France has many scenic trails and bike routes, such as the Loire Valley bike route and the GR20 hiking trail in Corsica. Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventure, where you get greenery and scenic views as an added bonus.

• Summer is the peak tourist season in France, so it is essential to plan ahead and book your accommodations, activities, and transportation in advance.
• France is known for its extended summer vacation, which typically takes place in August. As many French workers go on vacation, it is wise to plan your trip during the months of June or July to avoid the holidaying crowds. But if you do end up in France in August, be sure to make the tour and accommodation arrangements in advance.
• Tourist sites in France can attract pickpockets, so it is important to keep your valuables and belongings safe.

France has a never-ending list of things to see and do in summer. So brush up on your French, contact one of our local travel experts for a customized tour to France, and get ready to explore this diverse and dynamic country.